High school students work with Austin Transit Partnership, learn about careers in transportation engineering
AUSTIN (KXAN) --- Ten Austin-area high school students went through an eight-week summer internship with the Austin Transit Partnership.
It was a chance to teach the students about careers in transportation engineering and planning.
Students were chosen based on multiple factors:
- Career goals
- Interests or exposure to STEM-related fields of study
- Accomplishments
- Work experience
- Creativity
The high schoolers met once a week with ATP staff and other industry professionals.
On Tuesday, the students completed their internship's capstone project. Each intern will receive $1,000 for completing the program.
The growing workforce need
The Austin area is filled with multiple billion-dollar infrastructure projects in the pipeline.
A news release about the internship said there are 10,000 workers needed now and in the future to fill those jobs. However, it said less than half of those positions are filled currently.
"Introducing students to this booming industry that has the potential to provide them with lifelong thriving careers right where they live is critical to ensuring Austin has the best future workforce to plan and build the future of our city," the release said.